Review: X Bank Amsterdam

X BANK AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam | Spuistraat 172 | X Bank

X Bank is a great first stop on an Amsterdam Safari because it highlights so much of what makes Dutch style and design great. Stop here for a taste of the top Dutch designers in fashion, art and design before heading over to the individual boutiques located five minutes away in the Negen Straatjes (The Nine Streets).

X BANK:

PRODUCT

When you first get to Amsterdam you may find yourself blown away by how perfectly the people seem to fit into the place. You see all of these breezy, laid-back, stylish locals riding around the picturesque canals and you’re only thought is: how can I be more like them? Well to start out, you can try dressing like a local. That means dressing in clothes from local brands and designers like Another Label and Rika Studios, carrying a bag from Loes Vrij and wearing natural scents from Abel Odor perfumes. One of the best places to find all of these brands in one spot is at the X Bank concept store in the W Hotel. The shop is expertly curated to feel fun and vibrant and highlight the latest local trends. Each brand has a little card next to the display that gives some background about the brand and designer and the story behind it. This makes X Bank a great place for discovery as you can learn more about the brands behind the products you see.

PEOPLE

The staff at X Bank is as cool and friendly as you imagine your ideal dutch-best friend would be. They are dressed exactly like those locals you watched breeze by you on their bikes. Let them help you navigate through the various brands on display and work with you to pick out anything from a new outfit to a gift for your mother-in-law. They are knowledgeable about the surrounding retail scene so take their advice and visit some of the other stores they recommend.

PLACE

The store is full of exciting products without feeling cramped or overwhelming. The store itself is beautifully appointed with large windows letting in light from the street and cool light fixtures and plants accenting the space. The store is anchored by the checkout counter comprised of old safety deposit boxes (the building used to be a bank, hence “X Bank”) with beautiful hanging light fixtures made of plants. The museum style explanation cards for each brand help give the store a sense of organization with each display built around highlighting local brands.

VIBES

X Bank is a great first stop on an Amsterdam Retail Safari because it highlights so much of what makes Dutch style and design great. You get a sampling of the top Dutch designers in fashion, art and design and pretty much anyone who walks in is guaranteed to find something they love. You can then check out the smaller boutique locations of the individual brands you loved like Rika Studios, Another Label, Abel Odor and Loes Vrij, among others - many of which are located within walking distance from X Bank. Find your footing at X Bank and then use it as a jumping off point to do a deeper dive into the world of Amsterdam retail.

If you don't already, follow us on Instagram @theretailsafari as we highlight some of our favorite brands and concepts and take you with us on our retail safaris in NYC and beyond.